Hugo Sotil, the former Barcelona striker who formed a formidable partnership with Johan Cruyff in the early 1970s, has died at the age of 75.
The Peruvian, who scored 25 times in 65 appearances for the La Liga giants between 1973 and 1976, was widely regarded as one of the finest South American players of his generation.
Affectionately known as ‘Cholo’, Sotil was part of the Peru side that reached the World Cup quarter finals in 1970 and 1978, and played alongside Cruyff at the Catalan club, netting 17 goals in all competitions in his first season.
Barcelona were crowned league champions that same season for the first time in 14 years, and Sotil’s phone call to his mother in which he said “Mum, we are champions” has gone down in Barca folklore.
He had been hospitalised in his native country on December 20, with reports stating he was suffering with a ‘health issue’.
In a statement posted on the club’s X account, Barcelona said: “FC Barcelona mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barça from 1973 to 1976, and offers its condolences to his family and friends.
“Rest in peace, Cholo.”
The club followed up the post with a photograph of Sotil and Cruyff and the caption: “Johan Cruyff & Hugo Sotil. Unforgettable.”
Johan Cruyff & Hugo Sotil.
Unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/YtIdchzyii— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 30, 2024
In May 1984, Sotil played for Barcelona in a testimonial game between the 1974 team and a South America XI, after which he said: “Since I left Barca I have been waiting for this moment. I love Barcelona, the friendly people and the love of the fans.”
Then, three decades later in October 2014, Sotil said: “The love of the people of Barça is unforgettable. The day I die I hope they bury me in a Barca shirt.”
